UWB Real Time Localization platform for fast system performance evaluation

A UWB-based 2D Real Time Localization (RTL) platform is described and characterized, which allows very fast experimental evaluation of new antenna solutions and new localization algorithms in terms of its impact on overall localization system performance. It avoids the usual two-phase approach of data acquisition and subsequent data post-processing. As the target strolls in the scenario, the system automatically computes and stores in real time the target range to the different sensors, angular orientation, location, and absolute errors with respect to actual target position obtained from a parallel optical tracking system. All the real-time information is shown graphically in a large screen, superimposed on a top-view real-time optical image of the scenario. These features make the platform attractive also for system demonstrations for students.